Polenta’s Positive Behavioral and Interventions Supports (PBIS) & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Program

Dear Parents,

     For the 2018-2019 school year, Polenta Elementary School will implement a new and improved Positive Behavioral and Interventions Supports (PBIS) program along with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). By combining the two programs, we seek to reduce negative behaviors by encouraging positive behaviors through rewards and other incentives. Through SEL, we will teach students the skills necessary to recognize and manage their emotions while developing healthy relationships with peers and adults.
     This year, our teachers will communicate with you through Class DOJO, a free classroom communication App used to share reports between parents and teachers. This App will allow teachers to instantly share with you the good choices that your child has made throughout the day.  If improvement is needed in an area, your child’s teacher will share that information with you as well. Class DOJO allows us to share photos and videos of exciting events or activities in your child’s class(es).  Please see your child’s teacher about joining Class DOJO.
     Because we understand that the stage must be set for learning, all teachers will conduct Morning Meetings with their students every day.  These strategic, research-based meetings will allow teachers and students the opportunity to develop and maintain positive relationships which support student learning throughout the day.  We are also excited to announce that we have hired another school counselor, Mrs. Joleen King. She will partner with Mrs. Amanda Stone, our other school counselor, to create a dynamic counseling program at Polenta.  Finally, we have added a new enhancement class for our students, entitled REACH:  Relationship, Engagement, Awareness, Community, and Healthy Choices.  REACH is another layer of support in the social-emotional development for our students.    
     We are super excited about this school year, and we hope that you will partner with us as we continue to create learning environments where all students can be successful.  If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (919) 989-6039, Ext. 3908 or email me at patsyelrod@johnston.k12.nc.us.

Thank you and best wishes for a fantastic school year!
Patsy Elrod, Assistant Principal
PBIS/SEL Coordinator

School-wide Rewards

“Banding” Ceremonies
Each nine weeks, teachers will recognize students from their homerooms who have exhibited exemplary behavior throughout the quarter.  At the end of each quarter, a class ceremony will be held, and these students will be issued a colorful wristband/bracelet provided by the school.  Admin will designate the date/time of “Banding” Ceremonies which will be held in classrooms.  Teachers are encouraged to post photos of their “banded” students on the wall/bulletin board outside of their classrooms.  If a student earns 4 bands during the school year, he or she will be recognized at grade-level End of Year (EOY) Awards Ceremonies; and the students’ names will be placed in a drawing for prizes.  Another perk for “banded” students is entitlement to certain privileges as specified by the teacher.
 Source: An adaptation of the George Cox Elem School model

 PUMA PRIDE AWARDS
Each month, a student will be recognized for the PUMA PRIDE AWARD.  The recipient of this award will be a student who exemplifies the Character Trait of the month.  Parents of these students will be invited to “Pop-in” into the classroom for this brief award ceremony or they will be sent a video/photo.

 Positive Office Referrals
We’re putting the “positive” back into Positive Office Referrals.  Using our Positive Office Referral forms, teachers as well as enhancement teachers, Instructional Assistants (T.A.’s), custodial staff, cafeteria staff, Admin, and office staff members can  immediately recognize students for their good behaviors. Once the staff member completes the form, the student will then be called to the office where he/she will receive a prize.  An administrator will call the parent to share the good news. Finally, the student will have the privilege of writing his/her name on the Wall of Honor which is located in the front lobby.
Source:  An adaptation of the Promoting the Positive with an Office Referral

Classroom Rewards - Class DOJO
All staff members will utilize the application Class DOJO, a free classroom communication App used to share reports between parents and teachers. This communication tool will allow us to celebrate the accomplishments of our students with parents.  Class DOJO allows parents to receive instant feedback on their child’s behavior. That way, parents can partner with the school in rewarding students for making positive choices. In addition, this App will allow teachers to share pictures and videos as well as receive instant messages from parents. 

We’re Proud of Your Child!
Parents can read and complete the “We’re Proud of Your Child” recognition. Embedded in the explanation for this award is a link to a form which will allow parents to share the accomplishments of their children outside of school. These may include recognitions in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, athletic or musical competitions, community achievements, or special honors. The parent and student will be asked to complete this form and then give it to the child’s teacher.  The school will then provide a written note of praise from the child’s teacher(s)/Admin or mention the student’s name on our school broadcast. ​​​
Source: An adaptation of the Rockwood Valley Middle School Model

Click on SEL & PBIS for research on this topic.